Princess Diana once quipped, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” I can certainly relate to that sentiment! However, instead of a royal rival, my competition for my partner’s affection comes from a much fluffier source—our dog.
With those soulful, brown eyes that seem to gaze right through me, and an aroma that could clear a room, our dog has a special place in my partner’s heart. And it’s not a one-sided love affair; the pup seems to be the sun around which my partner orbits.
When my partner arrives home from work, there’s no rushing to greet me. Nope, it’s straight to cuddle time with the dog. After ensuring the pooch’s needs are met (and sometimes exceeded), I might get a casual “How was your day?” But don’t expect him to offer me a drink or even a friendly pat on the back. To be honest, I’d rather not have my ears ruffled anyway—unless it comes with a side of gin and tonic!
So, what’s a gal to do? Should I just let it go and rise above? Transform into a drooling, shedding furball myself? Or maybe team up with my furry competitor for my family’s love? Oh yes, my family! Did I mention that it’s not just my partner who seems to worship the ground the dog walks on? Everyone in our household treats the dog like royalty—even when he has a little “accident” in the night, which, spoiler alert: I’m the one who cleans up.
And don’t even get me started on the dog’s lavish lifestyle. While my partner and I manage to squeeze in a date night every couple of years, he and the dog embark on long, leisurely walks twice daily. Our kids are living off of whatever they can find in the pantry, but the pup dines on the finest raw-meat delicacies. The dog enjoys spa days, while my idea of luxury is a quick scrub in the bathtub (which gets more use as a dog-washing station).
Sure, I could have a heart-to-heart and ask, “Who do you love more?” But let’s face it, that sounds downright desperate. After all, he chose to marry me—not the dog. But with 14 years of companionship under their collars and just 10 for us, it’s tough not to feel a little envious of their bond.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I like the dog just fine. He’s sweet, doesn’t chew on furniture, and is generally a good boy. But the codependency between him and my partner is so profound it could inspire a heartfelt ballad. I just wish I could go a day without finding a stray black hair on my cream carpet.
But here’s the kicker—there will come a day when that furry friend is no longer around, and I fear the heartbreak will cast a shadow over our home. I can only hope my partner is ready for a new four-legged friend when that day comes—after all, I’ll be the one picking the next fur baby!
In the meantime, if you’re looking for more insights on family dynamics and relationships, check out this post on home insemination. And for additional resources, Cryobaby provides an excellent at-home insemination kit, while the CDC offers great information about pregnancy and fertility.
In summary, while my partner may shower our dog with love and attention, my space in his heart remains secure—at least until the next “paw-some” addition comes along.